Ministry of Land and Science to Hold World Smart City Expo in Busan This September

Asia-Pacific's Largest International Smart City Event

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that, together with the Ministry of Science and ICT and Busan Metropolitan City, it will hold the 'World Smart City Expo 2026' at Exhibition Hall 1 of BEXCO in Busan for three days starting from September 9.

Launched in 2017, this event celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and is said to be the largest international smart city event in the Asia-Pacific region. This year marks the second time the event will be held in Busan, where the government will showcase its 'K-AI City' policy in line with its AI Transformation (AX) initiative.

The K-AI City is a model that integrates AI technology into urban infrastructure operations to provide intelligent city services. Last month, following a public call for applications, the Ministry selected Wonju and Cheonan-Asan (jointly) as pilot cities specializing in AI. In keeping with the event slogan, 'From Smart Cities to AI Cities,' a variety of urban models, ranging from smart cities to AI cities, will be presented.

Official poster for the World Smart City Expo 2026. Provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

The Expo will feature exhibitions on innovative technologies and services in areas such as AI and smart cities, construction and infrastructure, mobility and transportation, and energy and environment. The AI-specialized pilot cities will participate through a joint AI City pavilion. The conference will focus on global key agendas such as smart cities, AI cities, and future mobility. In addition, various business support programs will be provided, including export and procurement consultations as well as open innovation initiatives connecting large corporations.

Lee Kibong, Director-General for Urban Policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, said, "Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the World Smart City Expo serves as a global platform that is expanding domestic and international cooperation toward a better tomorrow through technology."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.